Who eats the water rat? - briefly
Otters, large predatory fish, birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, and snakes are the primary consumers of water rats.
Who eats the water rat? - in detail
The water rat, a semiaquatic rodent inhabiting streams, wetlands, and coastal marshes, faces predation from a range of vertebrate hunters.
Birds of prey constitute the most frequent aerial threat. Species such as the osprey, marsh harrier, and great egret capture individuals during surface foraging or while the rodents swim. These raptors rely on keen vision and swift dives to seize prey near the water’s edge.
Reptilian predators include water‐associated snakes. The common water snake (Natrix natrix) and the American water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) ambush rodents on banks or in shallow channels, employing constriction or venom to subdue the capture.
Mammalian carnivores also target the water rat. Otters, especially the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), hunt by diving and using tactile sense to locate the rodent beneath the surface. Small mustelids such as the American mink (Neovison vison) and the European polecat (Mustela putorius) pursue the animal on land and in water. Larger carnivores, including foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoons (Procyon lotor), opportunistically feed on trapped or exposed individuals.
Aquatic fish can act as predators when the water rat is young or injured. Large predatory fish such as northern pike (Esox lucius) and catfish (Siluriformes) have been documented capturing juveniles during shallow water forays.
Human consumption is limited but occurs in some cultures where the animal is considered a delicacy. Hunting methods involve traps set near watercourses or the use of nets to capture multiple individuals.
In summary, the water rat is preyed upon by birds of prey, aquatic and terrestrial snakes, various carnivorous mammals, large predatory fish, and, in localized human practices, by people employing trapping techniques.